Read on Twitter
1/12
Let's try and unpack this bundle of nasty.
The suggestion here is that if your parents have Sky, smoke, own a mobile 'phone, drink booze, use streaming sites or have any other form of subscription then you shouldn't be receiving "free" meals for your children. https://twitter.com/samanthamac/status/1348799124422987777
Let's try and unpack this bundle of nasty.
The suggestion here is that if your parents have Sky, smoke, own a mobile 'phone, drink booze, use streaming sites or have any other form of subscription then you shouldn't be receiving "free" meals for your children. https://twitter.com/samanthamac/status/1348799124422987777
2/12
First...I believe that people should be punished for their own sins and not for the sins of others. That is a core principle of a grown up democracy. To act in any other way is to reveal yourself as a person with no moral compass or interest in justice or mercy.
First...I believe that people should be punished for their own sins and not for the sins of others. That is a core principle of a grown up democracy. To act in any other way is to reveal yourself as a person with no moral compass or interest in justice or mercy.
3/12
These meals are not "free". They are paid for by people like me (and indeed by very many of the parents who are receiving them who also work but who don't earn enough to feed their families) and I am beyond delighted to be able to contribute.
These meals are not "free". They are paid for by people like me (and indeed by very many of the parents who are receiving them who also work but who don't earn enough to feed their families) and I am beyond delighted to be able to contribute.
4/12
I am also more than happy for families to have access to things like a mobile 'phone and Netflix. Both provide access to entertainment, information and education. Quite why you should have a bee in your bonnet about people having both is beyond me.
I am also more than happy for families to have access to things like a mobile 'phone and Netflix. Both provide access to entertainment, information and education. Quite why you should have a bee in your bonnet about people having both is beyond me.
5/12
People having a drink and a fag? I reckon if I lived on less than the amounts here that I would want a drink and a fag too. The fact that I might be contributing to that through my taxes also doesn't concern me.
People having a drink and a fag? I reckon if I lived on less than the amounts here that I would want a drink and a fag too. The fact that I might be contributing to that through my taxes also doesn't concern me.
6/12
Would it be lovely if every child lived in a home with two parents who were able to provide all of their needs (never mind wants)? Of course it would. But that's not the situation for many thousands of children and, again, that isn't the fault of the children.
Would it be lovely if every child lived in a home with two parents who were able to provide all of their needs (never mind wants)? Of course it would. But that's not the situation for many thousands of children and, again, that isn't the fault of the children.
7/12
In some cases it's not the fault of the parents either. Sometimes people find themselves in difficult situations for reasons outside of their control. Those people need a bit of understanding, some compassion, a bit of kindness and support.
I think it's called being kind
In some cases it's not the fault of the parents either. Sometimes people find themselves in difficult situations for reasons outside of their control. Those people need a bit of understanding, some compassion, a bit of kindness and support.
I think it's called being kind
8/12
This narrative that the poor are feckless, hedonistic, selfish, cheats and liars is ugly and unhelpful.
I believe in the idea of people being self-reliant. I think it is good to work, to earn, to pay taxes, to be independent of the support of the State.
BUT...
This narrative that the poor are feckless, hedonistic, selfish, cheats and liars is ugly and unhelpful.
I believe in the idea of people being self-reliant. I think it is good to work, to earn, to pay taxes, to be independent of the support of the State.
BUT...
9/12
That isn't easy for everyone. It isn't possible for many. Because of that it's important that we don't demonise people. That we look for ways to offer a helping hand. That we seek out opportunities to show love and kindness. That we encourage.
That isn't easy for everyone. It isn't possible for many. Because of that it's important that we don't demonise people. That we look for ways to offer a helping hand. That we seek out opportunities to show love and kindness. That we encourage.
10/12
Sending out messages like the one I'm responding to reveals nothing of the poor and everything of its author.
I have no issue with a private company being tasked with providing the support to these families, I don't believe the State is the answer to all societies ills.
Sending out messages like the one I'm responding to reveals nothing of the poor and everything of its author.
I have no issue with a private company being tasked with providing the support to these families, I don't believe the State is the answer to all societies ills.
11/12
But this company have failed, based on the evidence we have, and that is not acceptable. Nor is it acceptable to turn the focus onto the people in need of assistance by spreading nasty allegations about their lives and sitting in judgement on them.
But this company have failed, based on the evidence we have, and that is not acceptable. Nor is it acceptable to turn the focus onto the people in need of assistance by spreading nasty allegations about their lives and sitting in judgement on them.
12/12
Support @FareShareUK and @TrussellTrust and @MarcusRashford and the others who are looking to do something good and something positive about this situation.
Show love.
Show kindness.
Be better than the "Lady".
Support @FareShareUK and @TrussellTrust and @MarcusRashford and the others who are looking to do something good and something positive about this situation.
Show love.
Show kindness.
Be better than the "Lady".
